Some skin aging occurs naturally with the passage of time. However,up to 90% of this aging process is caused by exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Dermatologists call this process “photoaging”. What happens in photoaging? To put it simply,the layers of the skin are slowly and progressively broken down by sunlight.
Chronic sun exposure causes the top layer of skin to become rough,scaly,dry,and less flexible. Sun exposure causes drastic thinning of the epidermis,the layer just below the top layer. Thin skin becomes less protective,allowing irritants to enter more freely. Also,thin skin bends much more easily,causing wrinkling. This process actually perpetuates itself,because once thinned,your skin admits even more sunlight,causing more thinning and wrinkling:a classic vicious circle!
The use of alpha-hydroxy acids in creams and lotions has revolutionized the treatment of photoaged skin. There are several members of the alpha-hydroxy acid family,i.e.,glycolic,lactic,tartaric,and others,but glycolic acid has proven to be the most effective in the treatment of facial wrinkles because it penetrates the skin most readily. After only 7 to 10 days of use,a 10% glycolic acid cream produces a very powerful and noticeable effect on your skin. It feels tighter and smoother,and develops a fresh,more youthful look,partly because the cream causes a slight skin-peel,and the top layer of dead skin cells is replaced with fresh,young cells provided by the epidermis.
K L. Perrins is a Registered Pharmacist with over 40 years experience and creator of Desert Bloom products. Visit his website at www.desert-bloom.net
